Solutions of the Vlasov equation in Lagrange coordinates (Q2371548)

The Euler-Lagrange discrete models of kinetic plasma physics based on the finite-size particle concept are nowedays commonly accepted. But the question whether they are discrete models of the Vlasov equation remained open. Here, it is shown that the method of finite-size particles is nothing else than a discrete model of the Vlasov equation for effective interaction potentials. The interaction potentials depend on the form factor of the particles. The authors calculate the effective interaction potential for the cases of the Coulomb interaction and the harmonic interparticle interaction. In the paper, the equations of motion for particles of finite size are found for a Gaussian form factor.